"Councilwoman Thompson secured an impressive victory in the primary. I stand ready to help her win in November and to assisting her and the city after she wins,'' Specter said.

Specter had announced his endorsement two weeks ago, but was kept from the Dauphin County Democratic Committee meeting due to the death of his eldest sister. He was in Harrisburg Friday for several meetings.

"I am very pleased to have Senator Specter's support and endorsement. My campaign for mayor is gaining strength every day. We look forward to winning on November 3 and bringing in a new day for Harrisburg,'' said Thompson, who was endorsed by Dauphin County Democrats on Monday.

Specter's appearance in Harrisburg Friday to announce his endorsement was a a quasi-historic moment in city and state politics. Thompson beat incumbent Mayor Stephen R. Reed in the May primary. Reed announced in September that he will not mount a write-in campaign, which means the city will have its first new mayor in 28 years.

Reed's career mirrors that of Specter, who has served in the U.S. Senate for 28 years as a Republican until April 28, when Specter announced his switch to the Democratic Party.

"Arlen Specter will lose votes in Harrisburg by endorsing her because he used to be viewed as not absolutely Republican. He was viewed as someone who voted for what was right. Now people in the city will see him as potentially pandering to the party to keep his seat. This is a local election. The community here is beginning to get its voice,'' Mindlin said.